Podcast Summary: College Bound – Episode: Post-ND: The Liberal Arts Entrepreneur
Introduction
In the March 30, 2023 episode of College Bound, host Megan engages with Woody Northup, a distinguished Notre Dame alumnus from the Class of 1970. Woody, Megan’s grandfather, shares his enriching journey post-graduation, highlighting his experiences in entrepreneurship and the enduring impact of a liberal arts education. This conversation provides invaluable insights for current and prospective students navigating their academic and professional paths.
Woody Northup’s Notre Dame Experience
Woody begins by outlining his time at Notre Dame, emphasizing his academic and extracurricular engagements. Graduating in 1970 with a major in Liberal Arts, specifically English Literature, Woody recounts living in Farley Hall during his freshman and junior years. Notably, his sophomore year was spent abroad in Innsbruck, Austria, participating in Notre Dame’s exchange program.
Notable Quote:
"I graduated in 1970, long time ago now. My original dorm was Farley Hall... my major, Liberal arts, English literature."
— Woody Northup [00:49]
Evolution of Notre Dame Since 1970
Discussing the transformations at Notre Dame, Woody highlights significant advancements in campus infrastructure and inclusivity. He notes the substantial fundraising efforts that have enhanced the university’s physical landscape and underscores the monumental shift towards coeducation, recalling that during his time, Notre Dame admitted no women students except for a few exchange students from St. Mary's.
Notable Quote:
"The biggest change, of course, is that there are now women going to Notre Dame and there were no women going to Notre Dame when I was there."
— Woody Northup [01:52]
Preparation for the Professional World and Entrepreneurship
Woody attributes much of his professional success to the liberal arts education he received at Notre Dame. He elaborates on how studying literature, history, and philosophy equipped him with essential leadership and communication skills. These disciplines fostered a congenial leadership style, contrasting with more autocratic approaches.
He shares his pivotal experience in the Innsbruck exchange program, describing it as a "seminal experience" that taught him to take risks and adapt independently—qualities that proved crucial in his entrepreneurial journey.
Notable Quotes:
"Notre Dame encouraged me to take some risks... it was one of the seminal experiences of my life."
— Woody Northup [02:49]
"We have to be willing to take a chance... my partners and I were able to turn that opportunity into a company that's now lasted 38 years."
— Woody Northup [06:07]
Starting and Running Radio Sound
In 1985, Woody founded Radio Sound, an electronics design and build business catering primarily to the power sports market, including brands like Harley Davidson and Polaris. He narrates the challenges faced during the inception of his business, including salvaging a failing electronics company and securing pivotal contracts with major clients.
Woody emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to seize opportunities amidst crises, reflecting on his earlier failed entrepreneurial attempt three years prior to successfully establishing Radio Sound.
Notable Quote:
"When I started my business, I was with a business. It was an electronics business that had a total crisis... that's how fast things can change."
— Woody Northup [06:07]
Liberal Arts vs. Business Education
A central theme of the conversation revolves around the value of a liberal arts education versus a business major. Woody advocates for the comprehensive skill set developed through liberal arts, such as effective communication, relationship-building, and ethical leadership. While acknowledging that a business education provides essential numerical and financial acumen, he asserts that these skills can be acquired independently, even without a formal business major.
Notable Quotes:
"The literature side is what taught me how to relate to people, how to communicate with them in a meaningful way... that influenced my style of leadership, which is congenial."
— Woody Northup [09:51]
"It's not that you can't get them [business skills] back. It's not that you can't still find the wherewithal to fill in that missing part of your agenda."
— Woody Northup [09:51]
Reflecting on Academic Preferences
When asked about his favorite classes, Woody reminisces about his studies in Herman Melville’s literature and 18th-century poetry. He appreciates the deep symbolic meanings and intricate analyses these subjects offered, comparing the exploration of poetry to solving a puzzle.
Notable Quote:
"The meanings inside a lot of those poems are so intricate and so well done. It's like doing a puzzle... really fun."
— Woody Northup [11:59]
Alumni Involvement and Notre Dame’s Community
Woody discusses his ongoing relationship with Notre Dame, highlighting the pride associated with being an alumnus and the enduring values instilled by the university. He and his wife, Ann, are active members of the Council for Church Life, ensuring that Notre Dame maintains its Catholic identity and engages in meaningful outreach programs.
Notable Quote:
"If you graduate from Notre Dame, you're always going to be very proud that you are a Notre Dame alum... it's a unifying force in the school itself."
— Woody Northup [13:29]
Conclusion
Woody Northup’s narrative underscores the profound impact of a liberal arts education in shaping adaptive, ethical, and resilient leaders. His entrepreneurial success with Radio Sound exemplifies how the skills and values cultivated at Notre Dame extend beyond academia into the professional realm. Additionally, his continued involvement with the university highlights the strong, enduring community that Notre Dame fosters among its alumni.
Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted benefits of attending Notre Dame, illustrating that the university not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates personal growth and lifelong connections.
Final Thoughts
This episode of College Bound offers a compelling testament to the enduring legacy of a Notre Dame education. Through Woody Northup’s experiences, current and prospective students are inspired to leverage their academic backgrounds, take calculated risks, and remain engaged with the alumni network to carve their unique paths to success.